OCVarsity Kickoff 2017: The Register has put together its annual preview for the upcoming high school football season.

In the coming days we’ll have previews online of every team and league in Orange County, plus much more, including our O.C. Hot 150 rankings of the top players in the county.

SEA VIEW LEAGUE
(OC Varsity’s rating is based on analysis of the team’s expected showing this season.)

ALISO NIGUELLast season: 3-7 overall, 1-3 in leagueOCVarsity rating: Hard team to read; could surpriseScouting report: Aliso Niguel will have to rely on talent on the edges in seeking its first five-win season since 2012. Tyler Jones and Christian Hovey will be focal points for the Wolverines as two-way starters at wide receiver and corner. Aliso Niguel will spread the field on offense as it attempts to get the ball to its top receivers. The Wolverines will also be aggressive on defense with plenty of blitzes and rushes. Keaton Draper and Jaden Clark help lead that unit at linebacker. With two-way players and the ambition to spread and blitz, conditioning is a big key.Must see game: Aliso Niguel at Laguna Hills, Nov. 3Key players:Jaden Clark, LB, Jr.; Keaton Draper, LB, Sr.; Christian Hovey, WR/CB, Sr.; Tyler Jones, WR/CB, Sr.; Joe Oursler, DE, Jr.; Ethan Sellona, RB, Sr.Schedule and roster:Click here

CAPISTRANO VALLEYLast season: 12-2 overall, 4-0 in leagueOCVarsity rating: Team to beatScouting report: Coming off of a CIF-SS championship game appearance, Capistrano Valley again looks like the team to beat in the Sea View League. As it was a year ago, the Cougars’ strength is on defense with eight returning starters including All-CIF defensive ends Zach Ritner and Nolan Reeve, who combined for 31 sacks last season. All-CIF strong safety Justin Burk leads an experienced secondary. Capo Valley also has experience at the receiver positions, but the task of getting the ball to them goes to All-CIF receiver Nathan Manning. The athletic Manning steps into the quarterback role to fill the shoes of last season’s league MVP, Kevin Brown. The Cougars will also be plugging in three new offensive linemen.Must see game: Capistrano Valley at San Juan Hills, Sept. 8Key players:Justin Burk, SS, Sr.; Jake Clark, OLB, Sr.; Michael Dyer, WR, Sr.; Nathan Manning, QB, Sr.; Zach Ritner, DE, Sr.; Nolan Reeve, DE, Sr.Schedule and roster:Click here

DANA HILLSLast season: 1-9 overall, 0-4 in leagueOCVarsity rating: Will struggle to win gamesScouting report: Dana Hills has seniors at many key spots on its roster, but the Dolphins have only won two games in the last three seasons. Dana Hills will look to grind it out on offense and be in control of the football and the clock. Corey Cisowski returns at quarterback and will look to get the ball out to Gavin Pappagalo. Junior Jake Baldiviez will get the bulk of the carries at running back. On defense, the Dolphins will follow through to the ball. Depth and roster size are a concern for Dana Hills.Must see game: Dana Hills vs Aliso Niguel, Oct. 27Key players: Jake Baldiviez, RB, Jr.;Corey Cisowski, QB, Sr.; Gavin Pappagalo, WR, Sr.; Matthew Lua Mu Poching, MLB/FB. Jr.; Jakub Rekawek, DE, Jr.Schedule and roster:Click here

EL TOROLast season: 4-7 overall, 3-1 in leagueOCVarsity rating: Title contenderScouting report: El Toro played up to its potential after falling in an early hole last season. The Chargers’ senior core is determined to get off on the right foot. Cooper Jones helms an offense that averaged 30 points per game last season and has made strides in the offseason to become bigger and stronger. El Toro will spread the ball to a strong receiving corps of Noah Aguilar, Austin Derrico and Shane McLaughlin. The Chargers reconstructed their entire defensive front and are confident in solid units in that front seven. El Toro will give Capistrano Valley a run for the league title.Must see game: El Toro vs. Capistrano Valley, Oct. 13Key players: Noah Aguilar, WR, Sr.; Austin Derrico, WR, Sr.; Cooper Jones, QB, Sr.; Shane McLaughlin, WR, Sr.; Charles Ponderoso, LB, Jr.; SamWhipple, LB, Jr.Schedule and roster:Click here

LAGUNA HILLSLast season: 6-5 overall, 2-2 in leagueOCVarsity rating: Hard to read; could surpriseScouting report: Laguna Hills battled its way to a playoff spot last season. The Hawks will have another fight to try and claim the league’s third-place playoff berth. Laguna Hills lost a ton of contributing seniors, including their Mr. Everything, Logan Montgomery. The majority of the burden will fall on returning starting quarterback Ross Leigber. The Hawks will have many seniors once again but experience is lacking. Nick Barrett is another returner with experience.Must see game: Laguna Hills vs. University, Sept. 1Schedule and roster:Click here